Hiking in Sai Kung, Hong Kong: Enjoy pristine beaches in a bustling metropolis. What's not to love?

Hong Kong is China's largest international metropolis, with the highest urbanization rate in the country. In most people's eyes, it's a city even more frenetic than Shanghai, synonymous with skyscrapers, an international harbor, and a global financial center. However, Hong Kong is more than just that. It also has many pristine fishing villages and beaches. It's hard to imagine finding such scenery in a major metropolis, which makes it truly extraordinary. Sai Kung is one of Hong Kong's few remaining pristine coastal areas, with relatively untouched fishing villages and incredibly clean beaches. A day of hiking here can be an incredibly refreshing experience. Want to come and see for yourself? 1. Must-see attractions: Sai Kung Town Centre, Sai Kung East Country Park, MacLehose Trail, Sai Kung Seafood Market, Sai Kung Waterfront Park, Sai Kung Public Pier, Little Hawaii Trail, Clear Water Bay Peninsula, Ngau Tau Wan (Cow's Head Bay), Basalt Island's Glass Waters, Hap Mun Bay, Ngau Tau Waterfall, Ma On Shan Country Park, and many other attractions. 2. Recommended length of visit: Sai Kung is the largest district in Hong Kong, with a wealth of attractions to explore. We recommend spending 2–3 days here. If you just want to see the Sai Kung waterfront and fishing villages, you can consider a 1-day trip. 3. Hiking routes: Day 1: Explore Sai Kung Town Centre, the Sai Kung Seafood Market and Pier, Sai Kung Waterfront Park, Sai Kung Public Pier, and Sai Kung East Country Park. Day 2: Take a boat from Sai Kung Public Pier to Basalt Island, Ngau Tau Island (Cow's Head Island), and Hap Mun Bay to admire the glass waters and sea waterfalls. Day 3: Spend a full day exploring Section 1 of the MacLehose Trail, Ma On Shan Country Park, Little Hawaii Trail, and Clear Water Bay Peninsula. 4. Transportation: There are direct buses from Sha Tin Centre to Sai Kung Bus Terminus. The bus stop is right in Sai Kung Town Centre. To reach Hap Mun Bay, Ngau Tau Wan (Cow's Head Bay), and Basalt Island, you must take a boat. You can negotiate the price with local fishermen. 5. Accommodation: There are a few guesthouses in Sai Kung Town Centre. Camping is also permitted in some areas of the MacLehose Trail. However, there are no large hotels. Accommodation can be a challenge when exploring Sai Kung in depth, so it's worth spending some time researching and planning. 6. Dining: Sai Kung has a thriving culinary scene, with plenty of places to eat. There are various tea restaurants and seafood restaurants. You can also buy fresh seafood and have it cooked at a seafood restaurant for a processing fee, which is very cost-effective. 7. Precautions: Sai Kung is relatively undeveloped, so safety is paramount. Wherever you go, avoid sparsely populated areas, or travel with companions. Safety always comes first. While hiking in Sai Kung is enjoyable, personal safety is more important. Let me emphasize this again!